one's back is up
phraseEtymology From the way a cat, when angry, raises or arches its back.
1
Idiomatic One is offended or angry.
- My back is up, and I cannot hear the thought of wooing him any farther, nor would do it, though he were as pig a gentleman (look you) as Lucifer himself.1835, William Hayley, The Life and Letters of William Cowper:
- And I want you to be nice to Patty. For some reason her back is up.2011, Jeannie Watt, The Baby Truce, →ISBN, page 84:
1 more example
- Now my back is up. “Yes, the witch,” I hiss.2014, Kristin Butcher, Cabin Girl, →ISBN:
- Related terms
- get one's back up